By Nkhensani Chauke
The Standing Committee on Appropriations has warned of a potential collapse of water boards within six to 12 months due to unpaid municipal debts.
This follows the committee’s meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation on Tuesday regarding the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Chairperson of the committee, Mmusi Maimane, warned that water boards could collapse within the next three years, forcing the committee to consider costly bailouts.
“We will wake up one day in three years’ time with collapsed water boards and this committee will be faced with approving more of these costly bailouts,” Maimane said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation reminded municipalities that they are responsible for providing water to households, while the department supports them in executing water and sanitation services.
The Department highlighted that municipal nonpayment for water services was a critical issue, leading to untreated water, poor sanitation, and neglected infrastructure maintenance.
“It is concerning that in places like Emfuleni Local Municipality, sewerage spillages continue while the administration of the municipality is in shambles and there is no hope that things will get better anytime soon,” he said.
The committee also raised concerns that some municipalities won’t commit to paying their current water invoices, which could lead to water boards going bankrupt.
Furthermore, the committee said it was concerned by the non-attendance by the Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo.
However, the committee stressed the need to end the blame game and work towards solutions and warned that continuation of the blame game could jeopardize the reliable provision of water to citizens.
In September, officials from the Department as well as the National Treasury Ravesh briefed the committee about measures being taken to prevent various water boards from falling into bankruptcy.
The Chairperson for Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation Leonard Basson highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that inaction would lead to catastrophic consequences for the country’s water security.
“We need to take action against these municipalities. I’m telling you we’re going to be in a crisis in the country if these two water boards go bankrupt. And those are not only water boards. Other water boards will also follow if we do not take action,” he said.
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